While all the focus is on the 2025 Champions Trophy, the Indian cricket team will play a three-match ODI series against England just days before the mega event begins. The three matches will take place on February 6, 9, and 12 in Nagpur, Cuttack, and Ahmedabad, respectively.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named the squad for the ODIs against England as the one that will play the marquee event with just one change, as Harshit Rana has been included. Jasprit Bumrah, who is recovering from injury, will not play the first two ODIs, but there is hope that he can play the third ODI and prove his fitness for the Champions Trophy. With Bumrah missing out, Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Shami are likely to form a two-man pace attack.

Skipper Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Shubman Gill will open the batting for the Men in Blue, which means Yashasvi Jaiswal will have to wait for his chance to debut in the ODI format. Virat Kohli's spot at number three is a no-brainer, while Shreyas Iyer has established himself as the Men in Blue's designated number four batter. KL Rahul's body of work in ODI cricket is hard to ignore, which means he will start as the first-choice wicket-keeper batter, denying Rishabh Pant a spot in the playing XI.

Hardik Pandya will play an ODI game after 16 months and remains arguably the team's most important player. While there were doubts over Ravindra Jadeja's place in the squad, he is set to be a starter. India's squad selection shows that they are relying on their spin-bowling all-rounders to provide them with depth and balance. Washington Sundar is likely to beat Axar Patel for a spot in the line-up as his off-spin will give the team variety in the bowling unit. Kuldeep Yadav will be the sole wrist spinner in the line-up.

India Strongest Playing XI For England ODI Series: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Cricket, Sports and around the world.